Residents evacuated from 97 homes in Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, will receive UK government support after investigators confirmed the ground movement problems were linked to historic coal mining. In total, 256 residents in four Coalsnaughton streets have now been told to leave their homes, and the UK Energy Minister, Michael Shanks, said there was
“no quick fix”for the issue.
The announcement came ahead of a visit by Shanks to the village, following a two-month investigation by the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA). The authority said there were still signs of ground movement at the site and that investigations were continuing.
Households will be told the outcome for their property and the specific options available to them in the coming weeks and months. Those options could include the government purchasing homes at full market value in the most serious cases.
The findings follow a two-month investigation by the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA).
The authority said there were still signs of ground movement at the site and that investigations were continuing.
It said households would find out the outcome for their property, and the specific options available to them, in the coming weeks and months.
A total of 256 residents in four Coalsnaughton streets were moved out of their homes after ground movement was discovered in May.
The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero said that all evacuated residents would now be protected by the law, with the UK government meeting the costs of making homes safe.
Under the Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991, the UK government has a duty to remedy coal mining subsidence damage.
It said:
“Where properties have suffered significant damage, alternative support could be made available to residents based on the condition of their home.
“For homes with the most serious damage, residents may be offered an option for the government to purchase their property at its full market value prior to the incident, as well as additional support to relocate if required.”
It added that any costs incurred by the Scottish government and Clackmannanshire Council for the incident response will be reimbursed, where they fall under the Mining Remediation Authority's remit.
How has the Scottish government responded?
In June, the Scottish government confirmed a £1m package to support residents evacuated from their homes. Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Scottish government's housing secretary, said it was understood that some of this money will now be reimbursed by the MRA.
She said:
“The Scottish government has confirmed that this will be made available to the council and that financial flexibilities remain in place so they can continue to provide support to residents.”
First Minister John Swinney said he was
“pleased”the MRA has completed its report, saying it provides
“clarity”on how to proceed.
He went on:
“This obviously opens up the possibility of individuals now being able to make long-term decisions about where they're going to live.
“It involves a huge amount of disruption in their lives and I'm terribly sorry for the disruption that individuals are facing.”
Where are residents staying now?
The affected residents are currently in short-term accommodation, including housing association properties, Airbnbs and student residences in Stirling.
Shanks said:
“This has obviously been an extremely difficult situation for families over the past few months and I want to reassure all those affected that no-one will be left to shoulder the burden alone.”
He said the UK government would work side-by-side with the Scottish government and Clackmannanshire Council.
He added:
“Unfortunately there is no quick fix, but the Mining Remediation Authority is providing tailored advice and support for every household and our priority is to provide longer-term certainty as quickly as possible.”
Residents on Benbuck View were evacuated on 18 May.
“The safety and welfare of residents remain the priority for every partner involved in the response.
“We will be contacting affected residents directly to explain what this means for them personally, and to talk through the support that is available.
“We are committed to keeping you informed at every stage of this recovery phase, and we are working hard to ensure that this community is safe.”
What does the investigation mean for the village?
The MRA said the report gives clarity on how to proceed, but it stressed that there are still signs of movement and that the recovery process will continue. Residents will be contacted directly to explain what the findings mean for them personally and to discuss support options.
Ground movement was reported at the site in May.
Residents on Benbuck View were evacuated on 18 May.
The incident has forced people from four streets in Coalsnaughton into temporary accommodation while the longer-term response is worked out. The village remains under investigation as authorities continue to assess the condition of each home and the wider site.
Key Facts
- 256 residents in Coalsnaughton have been told to leave their homes.
- 97 homes are affected by the ground movement problem.
- The issue has been linked to historic coal mining after a two-month investigation by the Mining Remediation Authority.
- The Scottish government confirmed a £1m support package in June.
- Residents are staying in short-term accommodation, including housing association properties, Airbnbs and student residences in Stirling.
